The aroma of butternut squash roasting in butter and sage takes me straight back to October afternoons in my mother’s kitchen. This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage brings together pillowy gnocchi, sweet roasted squash, and savory Italian sausage in one glorious skillet. It’s the kind of autumn comfort food that makes everyone gather around the table a little longer.
Think tender potato gnocchi swimming in velvety butternut squash sauce, studded with crumbled sausage and fresh herbs. Everything comes together in one pan – no fancy techniques, just good ingredients treated with love. The squash melts into the most gorgeous golden cream sauce, and those little gnocchi pillows soak up every bit of flavor.
I started making this dish back in 1987 when Eleanor was just learning to help in the kitchen. She’d stand on her little stool, carefully dropping gnocchi into the bubbling sauce one by one. The secret I discovered over the years? Don’t rush the squash – let it caramelize slowly until it practically melts into silk. That patience makes all the difference between good and unforgettable.
PrintCreamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi Awesome Sausage Recipe
Enjoy a creamy butternut squash gnocchi dish that’s perfect for autumn comfort food. This easy gnocchi recipe combines flavorful sausage and creamy sauce for a delicious sausage and gnocchi dinner. Ideal for fall gnocchi recipes and one pan sausage gnocchi meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
- Butter
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets about 3/4 inch thick
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 ears corn kernels removed from the cob
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 1 cup canned coconut milk cream or whole milk
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper using more or less to your taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Place the egg and flour in separate shallow bowls. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge both sides of the chicken through the egg, and then through the flour, tossing to coat.
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and cook on both sides until golden about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon butter, the corn, garlic, and thyme. Cook another 5 minutes or until the corn is golden.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the wine. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, then add the cream, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper. Slide the chicken into the sauce, simmer 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from the heat.
- Serve the chicken topped with fresh thyme, basil, and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 735
Why This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Will Become Your New Fall Favorite
There’s something truly special about how humble butternut squash transforms from firm, vibrant orange flesh into a silky, golden cream. This butternut squash gnocchi recipe masterfully captures that transformation, creating a sauce so incredibly rich and velvety, you’ll find yourself wanting to savor every last drop.
The true charm of this dish lies in its beautiful simplicity. Imagine tender potato gnocchi, perfectly cooked savory Italian sausage, and that luscious butternut squash sauce, all mingling harmoniously in one cozy skillet. It’s the quintessential autumn comfort food that promises to fill your kitchen with inviting warmth and your family with delightful contentment.
- One-Pan Wonder: Designed for minimal cleanup, everything cooks together efficiently.
- Naturally Sweet and Savory: The inherent sweetness of the squash creates a perfect balance with the rich, robust flavor of the sausage.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Even the most discerning eaters often find themselves falling in love with these pillowy gnocchi nestled in their creamy sauce.
Essential Ingredients and Tools for Success
Crafting this delightful creamy gnocchi recipe requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. The secret to its profound flavor lies in using a high-quality Italian sausage; its savory depth is the foundation of this dish. Before you begin, ensure your fresh butternut squash is peeled, deseeded, and cut into uniform cubes for even cooking. If using fresh Italian sausage, remember to remove the casings.
For equipment, a large skillet or a wide sauté pan is ideal. You’ll want ample space for the gnocchi to spread out comfortably without overcrowding, which ensures they cook perfectly. A sturdy wooden spoon will be your best friend for gentle stirring, keeping all your delicate gnocchi intact and beautiful.
| Ingredient Type | What to Look For | Kitchen Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Butternut Squash | Heavy for its size, firm, unblemished skin | Pre-cut saves time, but fresh offers superior sweetness and flavor. Peel, deseed, and cube before cooking. |
| Italian Sausage | Sweet or mild variety is generally preferred | Always remove casings before browning the sausage. |
| Potato Gnocchi | Fresh from the refrigerated section for best texture | Frozen gnocchi works too – no need to thaw them beforehand. |
| Heavy Cream | Full-fat cream for the richest, silkiest sauce | Half-and-half can be used in a pinch for a slightly lighter sauce. |
How This Beautiful Dish Comes Together
The magic truly begins when you brown the sausage. Cook it thoroughly until it’s beautifully caramelized and golden. Don’t overlook those delicious golden-brown bits clinging to the bottom of your pan – that’s pure flavor gold! Resist the urge to wash them away; they’ll dissolve into your sauce later, creating incredible depth and richness.
Next, the cubed butternut squash joins the pan, cooking low and slow until it practically melts into the cream. This is a moment where patience is truly rewarded. Allow it to bubble gently, stirring occasionally, until each piece of squash breaks down and contributes its natural sweetness and silky texture to the sauce.
- Step 1: Brown the Sausage: Cook Italian sausage until thoroughly browned and crumbled, breaking up any large pieces.
- Step 2: Sauté the Squash: Add cubed butternut squash to the pan and let it soften slightly, picking up flavor from the sausage drippings.
- Step 3: Simmer in Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the squash to meld into a creamy sauce.
- Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi: Gently fold in the gnocchi and simmer until tender and heated through, absorbing the rich sauce.
Troubleshooting Your Gnocchi Success
Sometimes gnocchi can be a little delicate to work with, but there’s no need to worry – I’ve gathered all the essential tricks over the years. The most common pitfall is gnocchi that falls apart or becomes overly mushy. The ultimate secret here is gentle handling and, crucially, avoiding any form of overcooking.
If your luscious sauce appears a bit too thick for your liking, a splash of hot pasta water or even chicken broth can work wonders to achieve the perfect consistency. Conversely, if the sauce seems too thin, simply let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes; it will naturally thicken beautifully as the butternut squash continues to break down and concentrate its flavors.
- Pro Tip: Handle gnocchi with care; avoid aggressive stirring as they are delicate little pillows.
- Note: Fresh gnocchi cooks significantly faster than frozen varieties, so monitor cooking times closely.
- Quick Fix: A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end can naturally help to thicken a slightly thin sauce.
Making It Your Own
This sausage and gnocchi dinner is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your family’s unique tastes and preferences. Feel free to swap the classic Italian sausage for a leaner chicken or turkey sausage if you’re aiming for something lighter, or embrace a bit of heat with a spicy variety for an extra kick.
Fresh herbs are fantastic for elevating the flavors. Sage is a traditional and exquisite pairing with butternut squash, but fresh thyme or rosemary also work beautifully, adding their distinct aromatic notes. For a boost of color and extra nutrition without altering the cozy comfort factor, stir in a handful of baby spinach during the final minutes of cooking.
| Original | Variation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Italian Sausage | Chicken or Turkey Sausage | A lighter alternative that still delivers delicious savory flavor. |
| Heavy Cream | Half-and-Half + Butter | Can slightly reduce calories while maintaining some richness. |
| Potato Gnocchi | Sweet Potato Gnocchi | Doubles down on the wonderful flavors of autumn. |
| Fresh Sage | Fresh Thyme or Rosemary | Offers a more subtle or different aromatic herb flavor. |
Serving and Storing Your Autumn Masterpiece
This butternut squash dinner is truly at its peak when served immediately, while the gnocchi are perfectly tender and the sauce is steaming hot. A simple crisp green salad and some crusty bread make for an ideal accompaniment, though, truthfully, this hearty dish is satisfying enough to stand entirely on its own.
Leftovers can be stored successfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, though the gnocchi will absorb some of the sauce over time. When it’s time to reheat, add a generous splash of cream or broth to help restore that original silky consistency. For the best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat rather than in the microwave, to preserve the gnocchi’s texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Elevate the presentation with a garnish of fresh sage leaves and a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Storage Tip: Ensure the dish has cooled completely to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of added liquid to maintain its best texture and creaminess.
Expert Insight: Balancing Flavors and Texture
In creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage, the natural sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with savory sausage, creating a well-rounded dish. The cream adds richness that elevates the gnocchi’s tender texture, while careful seasoning ensures the flavors remain vibrant without overpowering each other.
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Perfecting Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage recipe took many afternoon attempts and a few flour-covered kitchen counters before it felt just right. I learned that patience and careful folding make all the difference, turning a simple dish into a comforting family favorite full of rich, velvety flavors.
FAQs ( Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage )
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This recipe can be prepared a few hours in advance, but avoid cooking the gnocchi too early as they may become mushy when reheated. Cook the sausage and sauce, then combine with freshly cooked gnocchi at serving time for best texture and flavor.
What can I use if I can’t find butternut squash gnocchi?
If butternut squash gnocchi isn’t available, regular potato gnocchi works well too. For a similar autumn vibe, adding roasted butternut squash cubes into the dish brings that comforting fall flavor without changing the cooking process.
How do I avoid gummy gnocchi when cooking?
To keep gnocchi from getting gummy, cook them in plenty of boiling salted water and remove them as soon as they float to the surface. Drain gently and toss quickly with sauce, avoiding overcooking to maintain the perfect tender texture.
Can I use other types of sausage in this meal?
Yes, the dish is flexible with sausage types. Italian sausage is traditional, but spicy chorizo or sweet breakfast sausage can add exciting variations that pair well with the creamy gnocchi base.
Is this dish appropriate for gluten-free diets?
Traditional gnocchi contains wheat flour, so it’s not gluten-free unless you use a specialty gluten-free gnocchi. Check packaging labels closely or make your own gluten-free version to keep this meal suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
What side dishes go well with this stir-fry?
Simple green salads, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts complement the richness of this meal. A crusty loaf of bread also helps soak up the creamy sauce for a complete autumn comfort food experience.
Your New Family Favorite Awaits
Creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage delivers pure autumn comfort in just minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. You’ll adore how those tender gnocchi effortlessly soak up every drop of that golden, silky sauce, while the savory sausage provides just the right amount of rich depth. As it simmers, your kitchen will fill with the most wonderful aromas – truly like a warm, inviting hug on a crisp fall evening.
Consider swapping in sweet Italian sausage for an extra layer of warmth, or stir in a handful of fresh spinach for a vibrant splash of color and added nutrients. This butternut squash gnocchi reheats beautifully; simply add a splash of cream or broth when warming to revive that velvety texture. Here’s a trick from my own kitchen: always save a bit of pasta water – it’s a handy secret weapon if your sauce ever needs a little loosening, though with this recipe, it rarely does!
I would absolutely love to hear how this recipe turns out in your kitchen! Please share a photo when you make it – there’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing those golden, pillowy gnocchi nestled in their creamy sauce. This recipe makes enough to share, so consider preparing it for someone who might need a little extra comfort. Food made with love always tastes just like home.
